Slate Lite

In a traditional slate roof, much of the stone is hidden. SlateTec’s lightweight slate roofing replaces what you can’t see with a sheet of underlayment, making it lighter, less expensive, and quicker to install than conventional slate roofs, the company says. It’s made with S1 Grade Vermont slate and comes in 1/4- to 3/8-inch thicknesses (6 pounds per square foot) or 3/8- to 1/2-inch thicknesses (9 pounds per square foot). Buyers can choose from seven semi-weathering and four nonweathering colors. Prices start at $425 per square, including underlayment.